A parody of ALL of Shakespeare’s plays in 97 minutes flat!
With “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” comedy will take its turn on the outdoor stage at Port Townsend’s waterfront Chetzemoka Park over two weekends in August of 2014.
From August 15-24, 2014, a modern Shakespeare spoof concludes KCPT’s popular Shakespeare in the Park series. Three overachieving actors attempt to perform all 37 of the Bard’s plays in one fast-paced, witty and physical performance!
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” is directed by Amy E. Sousa and features Duncan Frost, Anthony Phillips and Ben Rezendes.
Set design is by Terry Tennesen, with costumes by Colleen Dobbin. Fight choreography is by Ben Rezendes.
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” was first performed by its authors, Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987. After running at the Criterion Theatre in London for nine years it has become one of the most popular stage parodies of all time.
Featuring the world’s shortest performance of Hamlet (43 seconds!), “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” is a hysterical lark through all of Shakespeare’s histories, comedies, and tragedies. Director Amy E. Sousa calls the show “both a send up and a celebration,” adding, “We are definitely pushing the boundaries and poking fun but ultimately as an act of love.”
“Complete Works” is known for its uproarious improvisation, which allows the actors to interact with the audience and incorporate local culture into their performances. Shakespeare in the Park alum and Port Townsend native, Ben Rezendes, says, “This show was written to be adapted to the performers. Throughout the play there are numerous jokes that we have taken the liberty of changing, adding and cutting based on our group dynamics.”
Actor Anthony Phillips adds, “We have found many places to make [Port Townsend] as much a character as we are.”
Of the unique relationship between the performers and the audience, Phillips says, “Let it be known that Shakespeare’s company looked their audience in the eyes and that this show is truly a tribute to Shakespeare, because it asks us to do the same.”
The play is sponsored by Sunshine Propane and the theater’s season sponsors are Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar and SOS Printing.
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Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the grass and to dress warmly for when the sun goes down. Picnic fare is welcome. Proceeds from a concession stand with hot dogs, beverages and light refreshments will go toward Key City Public Theatre’s Scholarship Fund.
For those with limited mobility, golf cart transport will be provided from the park entrance at Jackson and Blaine Streets down the hill to the performance venue.
Shakespeare in the Park performances run Aug. 15-24 outdoors at Chetzemoka Park, Fridays through Sundays at 6 p.m. (Open seating begins at 5:30 p.m.).
Running time is about two hours, including one intermission.
Admission is by suggested donation of $20-24 or $10 for students. Advance tickets are available from the playhouse box office at 360-385-KCPT (5278), or online at http://www.keycitypublictheatre.org/.